10 Websites Where You Can Get Paid To Write Articles and Make Money Online

Updated on June 4, 2025

Imagine turning your passion for writing into a flexible, location-independent way to earn more money. Whether you dream of crafting compelling blog posts, writing short stories, or sharing true stories with a large audience, freelance writing offers endless opportunities to get paid.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best sites, practical tips, and strategies to help you get paid to write online. From beginners looking to kickstart their journey to experienced writers aiming to diversify their income streams, there’s something for everyone.

1. Medium

So, how to get paid to write? Well, one of the widely used platforms to get paid for content writing is Medium, which allows writers to feature articles across a range of topics, from tech and self-improvement to lifestyle and personal stories. Its Partner Program rewards creators based on how much time paying Medium members spend reading their work. You don’t need to pitch to editors or manage a blog; just write, publish, and potentially get paid.

How it works: To start writing, sign up for a free Medium account and opt into the Partner Program. The more engagement you receive, the more you can earn.

Earning potential: Some articles generate a few dollars, while highly popular pieces can bring in hundreds per month, as many users have reported.

Pros:

Easy entry with no approval needed
Large built-in audience
Recurring income from old posts

Cons:

Success relies on Medium’s algorithm
Earnings tied to member-only engagement

It’s a great starting point for new writers and a solid passive income stream for consistent contributors.

2. Listverse

Listverse is a unique platform that pays freelance writers to create fun, quirky, and surprising list-based content. If you enjoy creating “Top 10” style articles on unusual facts, history, pop culture, or bizarre events, this is a great way to earn money online while having fun with your writing.

How it works: Writers submit lists of at least 10 items with original content and a minimum of 1,500 words. If accepted, the article is published and paid for.

Earning potential: Flat rate of $100 per published list.

Pros:

Straightforward format and structure
No previous experience required
One-time payment for accepted content

Cons:

Highly competitive and selective
Rejected content receives no feedback or compensation

Listverse is perfect for creatives who want to earn money occasionally. While it’s not a full-time income solution, it’s a rewarding platform to explore on your journey to write full time or supplement freelance income.

3. iWriter

iWriter is a beginner-friendly freelance writing platform for freelance writers looking to break into the world of blog writing, SEO content, and web copy. It’s one of the easiest places to start a writing career, especially if you're building a portfolio or trying to land your first writing jobs.

How it works: After signing up, you’ll take a brief writing test to receive a rating that determines the type of projects you can access. As you complete more projects and receive higher ratings from clients, your pay rate and access to premium jobs increase.

Earning potential: Writers get paid between $1.40 to $80+ per article depending on their rating level.

Pros:

Flexible, on-demand work
Clear rating system for growth
Low barrier to entry

Cons:

Low starting rates
Quality expectations can vary per client

iWriter is a solid starting point for freelance writers eager to gain experience and move toward higher-paying writing jobs.

4. Textbroker

Textbroker is a long-established content platform that connects freelance writers with clients seeking blog posts, product descriptions, and other business-related content. It’s ideal for aspiring writers looking to start writing regularly without the hassle of pitching or waiting for approvals.

How it works: Freelancers begin writing by submitting a short writing sample, which is reviewed and rated from 2 to 5 stars. Your star rating determines the quality level of content you’re eligible to write and corresponding pay ranges. Most articles range from 300–1,000 words and are based on client briefs from reputable sources.

Earning potential: Entry-level writers get paid around $0.007 per word, while top-tier copywriters can earn up to $0.05 per word. This translates to $7–$50 for a 1,000-word article, depending on your quality tier.

Pros:

Consistent job availability
Weekly payouts
Transparent rating and pay system

Cons:

Only available to U.S. residents
Low rates for beginners

If you’re not ready to launch your own blog but want a structured way to earn more money writing, Textbroker is a reliable place to start.

5. Cracked

Cracked is an entertainment site best known for its humorous and offbeat articles related to pop culture, bizarre history, science, and strange human behavior. It’s a standout platform for good writers with a satirical edge, a knack for storytelling, and a love for fresh ideas.

How it works: Writers pitch unique article concepts, especially feature stories with unexpected twists or humorous takes. If the editorial team likes it, they’ll guide you through the writing process. Cracked values originality, humor, and insightful takes, the weirder or more unexpected, the better. Topics often range from history to science to weird human behavior, always with a comedic twist.

Earning potential: $100–$200 per accepted article.

Pros:

Excellent platform for comedy and creative writing
Strong editorial support
Exposure to a large, loyal audience

Cons:

High competition
Pitches are not always accepted

Cracked is less about churning content and more of a creative playground. For writers looking to make money online through storytelling, humor, and originality, it’s a uniquely rewarding option.

Small tasks, real rewards

Earn money online by completing microtasks anytime and anywhere.

6. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is one of the world’s largest freelance marketplaces, connecting millions of freelancers with businesses seeking writing, design, and tech services. It’s a flexible platform that allows writers to find everything from a single article to long-term projects, covering blog posts, web content, and more.

How it works: After creating a profile, writers browse job listings and submit bids on projects that match their skills. Projects range from short articles and one-time tasks to ongoing collaborations. Clients review proposals and select freelancers to work with. Your success often depends on how well you pitch and your reputation on the platform.

Earning potential: Varies greatly, small gigs can start at $10, while larger writing contracts may exceed $500 or more.

Pros:

Access to a global client base
Projects available across many websites and niches
Potential for long-term clients

Cons:

High competition among freelancers
Platform charges a service fee (around 10%)

Freelancer.com is ideal for motivated writers with fresh ideas looking to make money online by tapping into a wide variety of opportunities.

7. Verblio

Verblio is a writing platform focused on delivering high-quality content to businesses across industries like tech, health, marketing, and more. It caters to professional writers with solid grammar, research skills, and knowledge of SEO best practices. If you're looking to make money writing content, Verblio can be a great opportunity.

How it works: To get started, writers must pass a grammar and writing assessment. Once accepted, you can view client content requests and choose topics that interest you. After submitting an article, clients can accept, reject, or request revisions. Writers move up in tiers based on quality and experience, helping you strengthen your writing portfolio over time.

Earning potential: $15–$50+ per article, with potential for higher rates on advanced assignments. This makes Verblio a viable platform for those aiming to make money consistently by writing content.

Pros:

Variety of topics and clients
Clear formatting and tone guidelines
Performance-based advancement

Cons:

No guarantee your content will be purchased
SEO knowledge is often required

Verblio is ideal for experienced writers looking for ongoing freelance work with the flexibility to choose when and what they write. It’s especially useful for those trying to find sites that offer real earning potential.

8. A List Apart

A List Apart is a respected publication in the web design and development community. It features deep-dive essays and thought pieces on UX, content strategy, accessibility, and front-end development. Ideal for experienced professionals, it’s a great platform for showcasing your expertise, attracting good clients, and contributing to industry dialogue.

How it works: Writers submit detailed pitches outlining their article idea, structure, and value to the audience. If accepted, you’ll collaborate with an editor to refine your article before publication. The site prioritizes originality, clarity, and actionable insight.

Earning potential: $200 per published article.

Pros:

High editorial standards and professional polish
Great for building authority in the tech/design space
Quality exposure and byline recognition

Cons:

Narrow submission focus (tech, design, UX)
Competitive and selective acceptance process

If you have professional insights to share and want to make money while publishing in a reputable, high-quality outlet, A List Apart is a top-tier platform worth considering.

9. The Penny Hoarder

The Penny Hoarder is a well-known personal finance site that publishes stories on saving money, budgeting, side hustles, and financial success tips. It targets a wide audience, from college students and young adults to retirees, and values relatable, actionable advice.

How it works: Writers can pitch story ideas or submit completed drafts. Personal experiences and first-person narratives are encouraged, especially if they involve creative ways to earn or save money. The site also values stories with data-backed advice or detailed breakdowns.

Earning potential: Reportedly $75–$100 per accepted guest post or article.

Pros:

Popular site with wide readership
Editorial guidance and structure
Welcomes real-life experiences and how-to tips

Cons:

Freelance opportunities not always open
Stories must match tone and editorial style

If you have a unique story or practical financial advice to share, The Penny Hoarder is a great platform to get paid while helping others improve their financial habits.

10. Vocal Media

Vocal Media is a publishing platform that allows writers to share real stories, share stories, articles, and personal experiences across a wide variety of niches, from lifestyle and tech to fiction, wellness, and pop culture. It’s open to all writers and provides opportunities to earn through reads, tips, and challenges.

How it works: Create a free account, choose a community (like Fiction, Geeks, Journal, etc.), and publish your article or guest post. Vocal pays writers based on the number of reads their stories receive, especially from Vocal+ members. Writers can also earn bonuses through competitions and reader tips.

Earning potential: Writers earn $3.80 per 1,000 reads, and Vocal+ members earn higher rates. Bonus payments for popular articles can range from $20 to $500.

Pros:

Easy to start, no pitching required
Wide range of topics accepted
Vocal+ option increases earnings

Cons:

Requires significant traffic to earn substantial income
Free version has limited earning potential
Platform takes time to grow an audience

How to choose the right platform for you

With so many platforms to choose from, finding the one that fits your skills, goals, and lifestyle is key.

If your goal is quick cash: Try Listverse, iWriter, or Textbroker. These platforms pay per article and don’t require long-term commitment.

If you want to build a portfolio or authority: Go for Medium, A List Apart, or The Penny Hoarder. These sites offer author bylines and quality editorial support.

If you're exploring passive or long-term earnings: Medium, Vocal Media, and JumpTask Blog allow content to keep generating income over time, even after it's published.

Don’t commit to just one right away. Trying 2-3 platforms helps you learn your writing style, pacing, and what types of assignments suit you best. Also, use a simple spreadsheet to log how long each article takes and what you earn, this helps you calculate your true hourly rate.

Finally, a mix of low-effort tasks and high-value pieces can keep income steady while growing your writing brand.

How to start your freelance writing career

Starting a career in freelance writing gigs can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can build a successful and sustainable path. Here are some tips to get started:

Build a professional portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight your versatility and expertise to attract clients.
Identify your niche: Choose a specific area of focus, like creative writing, technical writing, or SEO content, to stand out in the competitive market.
Set realistic goals: Start small by balancing freelance writing jobs with other commitments, such as a side hustle on JumpTask. Gradually scale your workload and income as you gain experience and build a client base.
Use tools to boost productivity: Invest in tools like Grammarly for editing or AI-generated content software for efficiency, but ensure the final product reflects your unique voice.
Network with other writers: Join online platforms or communities for copywriters to exchange advice, find job leads, and build connections. Networking can also help you pitch story ideas to editors or websites that accept submissions.

Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on one type of writing. Explore other quick and easy earning opportunities on JumpTask. Explore JumpTask microtasks that provide flexible ways to supplement your earnings while you grow your freelance career.

Why freelance writing is a great way to earn money

Freelance writing isn’t just a side hustle from home, it’s a flexible career path with real earning potential. You can work from anywhere, choose your hours, and write about topics you actually enjoy, from gaming and travel to personal finance or tech.

Getting started is easier than ever. You don’t need a degree or years of experience, just solid writing skills and a willingness to learn. There’s constant demand for content, and platforms are filled with gigs like blog posts, product reviews, microtasking, technical writing, and ghostwriting.

Best of all, freelance writing can pay off fast. According to All Things Freelance Writing, many beginners earn $1,000+ per month within their first year. By diversifying your writing jobs, you can scale your income quickly and sustainably.

Key takeaways

Freelance writing offers true freedom. Be your own boss - work from anywhere, set your own hours, and turn your words into income.
Your writing is your brand, so build a strong portfolio, find your niche, and grow your reputation in the competitive freelance space.
Choose the right platforms wisely as sites like Medium, Vocal Media, and Freelancer.com can help you get paid while reaching real audiences.
Diversify to stay stable. Explore different writing formats and topics, and combine gigs with other online income streams to reduce risk.
Quality and consistency win. Deliver well-researched, engaging content regularly, and learn in-demand skills like SEO to increase your value.

FAQs

Start by choosing a niche you enjoy, building a simple portfolio, using free platforms, and signing up for beginner-friendly sites like Medium or iWriter. Apply to writing gigs, pitch ideas, and practice consistently to improve your skills and credibility.

You can earn money writing blog posts on platforms like Textbroker, Verblio, Freelancer.com, and Medium. Many content marketplaces and client-based platforms offer steady blog writing gigs across industries like health, tech, finance, and lifestyle.

Search blog directories, freelance marketplaces, and curated lists like “websites that pay for writing.” Look into sites like Listverse, The Penny Hoarder, and Vocal Media, which accept submissions and offer payment for accepted work.

Start with beginner platforms like iWriter or Textbroker. Build sample articles on Medium or your own blog. Focus on simple, clear writing, and apply to jobs with realistic expectations to build confidence and a portfolio.

Specialized niches like technical writing, copywriting, grant writing, and long-form content marketing typically pay the most. These require strong skills but offer high rates, often $0.20–$1.00+ per word for more professional writers.

Yes, platforms like Medium and Vocal Media let you publish and earn without prior approval. You can start writing immediately and monetize through engagement, tips, or reads, making them ideal for beginners testing the waters.

Monika Ivanauskaite

Content Manager

Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.